Giving away the body back to the nature is the fundamental idea behind funeral practises around the world. Where Tibetians opt for sky burials, Hindus in India culturally cremate their dead by burning a funeral pyre. Here are some unique ways people of different cultures cremate their dead.
1. Sky Burial in Tibet:
In this ritual, bodies are left outside, for birds or other animals to devour. Common in Tibet and Buddhism, this method of cremation is believed to send the soul of the deceased to heaven and supports the circle of life by giving sustenance to animals.
2. Famadihana in Madagascar:
It is a funeral tradition of Madagascar where the body of the dead bring forth the bodies of their ancestors from the family crypts every five to seven years and rewrap them in new clothes. Famadihana is also called ‘the turning of the bones’. People dance and converse with their dead during the event.
3. From Ashes to Death Beads, South Korea:
In South Korea, it has become a practise to turn the ashes of the deceased into beads. These beads come in an array of colors, from pink or black to turquoise. It can be placed inside glass vases or even open in dishes. These beads become an important part of the home.
4. Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Phillippines:
In Sagada region of Phillippines, the ancient burial tradition of suspending coffins from mountain cliff is followed. It is believed that it brings souls of the dead closer to heaven.
5. Tinguian Funeral, Phillippines:
In the Tinguian culture of Phillippines, the departed is often dressed in their finest attire, given a seat, and a cigarette. The body of the deceased may remain in this position for several weeks.
